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Unfortunately, I encountered Aikido rather late (at the age of 53). This happened more or less accidentially by reading anti stress "tipps and tricks"in a manager magazine.

After attending a trial lesson in - let's call it - "dojo 1" where the sensei laughted at me because of my clumsy behaviour, I trained myself in the very first basics of ukemi using a blanket and YouTube in my living room.

Now, I have been in "dojo 2" since May 2012 and I am really happy with the way Aikido is taught, We do it twice a week (beginners course), Once with focus on spiritual background of techniques (finding and concentration on Ki and centre) and once more or less the kihon no waza.

I am doing Aikido because I am fascinated by the philosophical aspect of this "martial art" and the way and possibilties of body control. Even after 6 months it gives me inner quietness and self confidence.

Really look forward to an interesting exchange of experiences (in particular, beginners, of course) but support and hints from the well trained friends of Aikido as well.

welcome!
It's allways nice to meet someone from the neighbourhood here on aikiweb.

I concur with Janet: Glad to hear that you didn't give up and finally found a dojo where you feel good! It's about 16 years or so ago, when a "sensei laughted at me because of my clumsy behaviour" and said to me that I would never learn aikido. ;-)

I know some of the dōjō in Berlin, actually I did my nidan exam at the "Aikido Dojo am Gleisdreieck". Would you mind to tell where you practice? (If not it's ok! It's just that I am curious whether I know someone.)

Enjoy your practice! And enjoy aikiweb! It's a very good place for talking about aikidō.